Balde–Dimarco swap lasts a few hours before Romano shuts it down

Alejandro Balde was reportedly heading to Inter, Federico Dimarco to Barcelona, and both clubs were said to be working on a swap. It sounded suitably dramatic. The only problem is that, according to Fabrizio Romano, nobody had even started negotiating.

The claim originated with “SPORT”. The Catalan newspaper reported that Deco was exploring an operation that would send Balde to Milan and bring Dimarco to Barcelona. The story was quickly picked up elsewhere because, at first glance, it appeared to fit the situation at both clubs.

Balde has not played a minute in Barcelona’s first two LaLiga fixtures. Hansi Flick selected Xavi Espart, while João Cancelo’s arrival has added further competition in the full-back positions. The Spaniard recently committed himself to staying and fighting for his place, but his current status is clearly different from the one he enjoyed little more than a year ago.

Dimarco, meanwhile, would offer an immediate solution on the left. The Italy international can play as a wing-back or conventional full-back, creates chances and provides excellent set-piece delivery. A footballing explanation was therefore easy to construct. Barcelona wanted an Inter player, Inter could receive a younger replacement, and the headlines practically wrote themselves.

Only the negotiations were missing.

Romano issued a firm denial on his YouTube channel. He said there was no possibility of Balde and Dimarco being exchanged and insisted that nothing had been initiated between Barcelona and Inter.

“Many new rumours emerged between Barcelona and Inter, but forget the idea of any deal happening between the two clubs this summer,” Romano said. “Nothing has happened and nothing will happen.”

The denial also covered Lautaro Martínez. Romano maintained that Inter’s captain will not leave Milan and that no operation between the two clubs will be completed before the window closes. Alessandro Bastoni and Cristian Romero had also been linked with Barcelona earlier in the summer, but those routes have gone nowhere.

The distinction matters. “SPORT” presented the swap as an operation being explored, while Romano says there were no talks at all. This was not a transfer that collapsed at the final hurdle. It was a rumour that reached the finish line on its own.

Balde’s position at Barcelona remains uncertain, but there is currently no path leading to Dimarco or Inter. He remains part of Flick’s squad and intends to fight for his place. If Barcelona decide to sell him, they will need an interested buyer and a concrete offer. This time they had two names, an arrow pointing in each direction and a few hours of transfer excitement.

Romano’s denial was reported by GOAL and Barca Universal.